An adapter for a face mask, and an instrument shielding apparatus for shielding an instrument being entered into a subject through a face mask or a trocar

Abstract

A face mask (90) comprises an instrument shielding apparatus (91) which comprises an instrument shielding device (92) which is connected to the face mask (90) by an adapter (89). The adapter (89) comprises an instrument accommodating housing (15) through which an instrument bore (25) extends therethrough. The instrument accommodating housing (15) terminates at one end in a first main port (20) engageable with an instrument port (7) of the face mask (90), and in the other end in a second main port (23). The instrument shielding device (92) comprises a shielding sleeve (95) a first end (96) of which is secured by a coupling ring (98) to the second main port (23) of the adapter (89), and a second end (97) of which is secured in a storage chamber (94) of a sleeve storing housing (93) of the instrument shielding device (92). The sleeve storing housing (93) is sealably engageable with a proximal end (58) of an endoscope (10), and the shielding sleeve extends from a collapsed stored state in the storage chamber (94) to the adapter (89) for shielding the endoscope (10).

1 - 199 . (canceled) 
     
     
         200 . An adapter for coupling to a face mask, the face mask having an instrument port therein defining a passageway therethrough, the adapter comprising an instrument accommodating housing extending between a first main port for engaging the instrument port of the face mask, and a second main port for accommodating an instrument therethrough, and having an instrument accommodating bore extending therethrough between and communicating with the second main port and the first main port, the housing having a first air accommodating port communicating with one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore, and a first filter communicating with the first air accommodating port for filtering the air passing therethrough. 
     
     
         201 . An adapter as claimed in  claim 200  in which the first filter is adapted to filter out one or more of pathogens, bacteria, infections and viruses from the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.1 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.05 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.04 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, a first bore extends in the instrument accommodating housing and communicates with the first air accommodating port and with the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing, and preferably, a first non-return valve is located in or communicates with the first bore and is adapted to permit fluid flow through the first bore in one of an outward direction from the first main port of the instrument accommodating housing to the first air accommodating port, and in an inward direction from the first air accommodating port to the first main port, and to prevent fluid flow in the other one of the outward and inward directions, and advantageously, the first non-return valve is adapted to permit flow in the outward direction, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to communicate with the first air accommodating port through the first non-return valve, and advantageously, the first filter is engageable with the one of the first air accommodating port and the first non-return valve. 
     
     
         202 . An adapter as claimed in  claim 200  in which a second non-return valve is provided, the second non-return valve being adapted to communicate with one of an air accommodating port in the face mask and a second air accommodating port in the instrument accommodating housing, the second air accommodating port of the instrument accommodating housing communicating with the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing, the first non-return valve being adapted to permit fluid flow in one of an inward direction to the air accommodating port of the face mask, or from the second air accommodating port of the instrument accommodating housing to the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing, and an outward direction from the air accommodating port of the face mask, or from the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing to the second air accommodating port thereof, and to prevent fluid flow in the other one of the inward and outward directions, and preferably, a second filter is provided for filtering air and gases passing through the second non-return valve, and advantageously, the second filter is adapted to filter out one or more of pathogens, bacteria, infections and viruses from the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.1 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.05 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.04 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the second non-return valve is adapted to communicate with the second air accommodating port of the instrument accommodating housing, and is adapted to permit fluid flow in the inward direction from the second air accommodating port of the instrument accommodating housing to the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing, and preferably, a second bore extends in the instrument accommodating housing and communicates with the second air accommodating port and with the one of the first main port and the instrument accommodating bore of the instrument accommodating housing, and advantageously, the second non-return valve is located between the second bore and the second air accommodating port, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to communicate with the second non-return valve, and advantageously, the second filter is adapted to communicate with the second non-return valve through the second air accommodating port of the instrument accommodating housing, and preferably, the second non-return valve is adapted for locating in the air accommodating port of the face mask, and is adapted to permit fluid flow in the inward direction to the secondary port of the face mask. 
     
     
         203 . An instrument shielding apparatus comprising an adapter as claimed in  claim 200  and an instrument shielding device coupled to the adapter for shielding an instrument extending outwardly from the second main port of the adapter. 
     
     
         204 . A face mask comprising an adapter as claimed in  claim 200  in which the first main port of the adapter is engaged with an instrument port of the face mask. 
     
     
         205 . A face mask comprising an instrument shielding apparatus as claimed in  claim 203  in which the first main port of the adapter of the instrument shielding apparatus is engaged with an instrument port of the face mask. 
     
     
         206 . A face mask as claimed in  claim 204  in which a collector is located in or on the face mask for collecting any air and gases escaping from the face mask around the outer periphery thereof between the face mask and the face of the subject. 
     
     
         207 . A face mask as claimed in  claim 206  in which the collector is mounted externally on the face mask, and preferably, the collector is adapted to apply a vacuum around at least a part of the outer periphery of the face mask for drawing any leaking air and gas from the outer periphery of the face mask, and advantageously, the collector comprises an elongated collecting conduit extending around the face mask adjacent the outer periphery thereof, the collecting conduit having a bore extending therethrough defining a communicating chamber, and having a plurality of inlet ports spaced apart longitudinally along the conduit extending radially from the communicating chamber, the inlet ports being configured for drawing air and gases escaping from the periphery of the face mask into the communicating chamber, and preferably, an outlet port is provided from the collecting conduit communicating with the communicating chamber, and advantageously, the outlet port is adapted for coupling to a vacuum system for drawing a vacuum on the inlet ports through the communicating chamber, and preferably, a third filter is adapted to filter out one or more of pathogens, bacteria, infections and viruses from the air and gases passing through the outlet port from the collecting conduit, and advantageously, the third filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.1 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the third filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.05 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the third filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.04 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the collecting conduit comprises an endless conduit, and advantageously, the collecting conduit extends around the outer periphery of the face mask on the outer side of the face mask, and preferably, the collecting conduit extends completely around the face mask. 
     
     
         208 . An instrument shielding device for shielding an instrument, the instrument shielding device comprising an elongated shielding sleeve extending between a first end and a second end and defining an elongated instrument accommodating lumen extending therethrough from the first end to the second end for accommodating the instrument therein, a first coupling element adapted to couple the first end of the shielding sleeve to one of a face mask and a trocar, and a second coupling element adapted to couple the second end of the shielding sleeve to the instrument. 
     
     
         209 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 208  in which the first coupling element is adapted to sealably couple the first end of the shielding sleeve to the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably, the first coupling element is adapted to releasably couple the first end of the shielding sleeve to the one of the face mask and the trocar, or alternatively, the first coupling element is adapted to non-releasably couple the first end of the shielding sleeve to the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably, the second coupling element is adapted to sealably couple the second end of the shielding sleeve to the instrument, and advantageously, the second coupling element is adapted to releasably couple the second end of the shielding sleeve to the instrument, and preferably, the second coupling element is adapted to couple the second end of the shielding sleeve to the instrument adjacent a proximal end of the instrument, and advantageously, the shielding sleeve is urgeable from a collapsed stored state, to an extended state for shielding the instrument. 
     
     
         210 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 208  in which a sleeve storing housing is provided for storing the shielding sleeve in the stored state, and preferably, the sleeve storing housing defines a storage chamber for storing the shielding sleeve in the stored state, and advantageously, an instrument accommodating bore extends through the sleeve storing housing for accommodating the instrument therethrough, and preferably, a tubular member defining the instrument accommodating bore extends through the storage chamber, and advantageously, the tubular member defines with the sleeve storing housing the storage chamber of an annular shape extending around the tubular member for accommodating the shielding sleeve in the stored state with the tubular member extending into the instrument accommodating lumen of the shielding sleeve. 
     
     
         211 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 210  in which the sleeve storing housing comprises a closure member for closing the storage chamber, the closure member having an access opening therethrough for accommodating the shielding sleeve therethrough from the storage chamber, and preferably, the access opening in the closure member is centrally aligned with the instrument accommodating bore extending through the sleeve storing chamber, and the tubular member extending through the storage chamber defines with a rim of the closure member defining the access opening therein, an annular access opening for accommodating the shielding sleeve from the storage chamber, and advantageously, the closure member is releasably coupled to the sleeve storing housing. 
     
     
         212 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 210  in which one of the first and second ends of the shielding sleeve is sealably secured to the sleeve storing housing, and preferably,
 the one of the first and second ends of the shielding sleeve, which is sealably secured to the sleeve storing housing is sealably secured to the sleeve storing housing in the storage chamber thereof. 
 
     
     
         213 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 212  in which the second end of the shielding sleeve is sealably secured to the sleeve storing housing, and the second coupling element is adapted for coupling the sleeve storing housing to the instrument, and preferably, the second coupling element is located in the sleeve storing housing, and advantageously, the second coupling element is located in the instrument accommodating bore extending through the sleeve storing housing, and preferably, the second coupling element is adapted to slideably engage the instrument, and advantageously, the second coupling element is adapted to tightly slideably engage the instrument, and preferably, the second coupling element is adapted to releasably engage the instrument, and advantageously, the second coupling element comprises one of a duckbill valve, a multi-leaf valve and a cross-slit valve. 
     
     
         214 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 213  in which the first coupling element is adapted to couple the first end of the shielding sleeve directly onto the one of the face mask and the trocar adjacent an instrument port thereof, or onto a port connector, the port connector being adapted for engaging the instrument port of the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably,
 the first coupling element comprises a coupling ring adapted to engage the one of the face mask and the trocar adjacent the instrument port thereof or the port connector for securing the first end of the shielding sleeve thereto. 
 
     
     
         215 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 214  in which the coupling ring is adapted to engage an annular receiving groove extending around the instrument port of the one of the face mask and the trocar or the port connector with a portion of the shielding sleeve adjacent the first end thereof sealably engaged in and retained in the annular receiving groove by the coupling ring, and preferably, the coupling ring is located in the instrument accommodating lumen defined by the portion of the shielding sleeve adjacent the first end thereof, and advantageously, the first end of the shielding sleeve is returned inwardly within the coupling ring to define with the portion of the shielding sleeve adjacent the first end thereof an annular recess within which the coupling ring is located, and preferably,
 a diverging collar extends from and diverges from the coupling ring into the instrument accommodating lumen of the sleeve, or alternatively, the coupling ring extends externally around the instrument port of the one of the face mask and the trocar or the port connector with the first end of the shielding sleeve sealably clamped between the coupling ring and the instrument port of the one of the face mask and the trocar or the port connector. 
 
     
     
         216 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 213  in which the sleeve storing housing is adapted to releasably engage the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably,
 the closure member of the sleeve storing housing is adapted to releasably engage the one of the face mask and the trocar, and advantageously, the one of the sleeve storing housing and the closure member thereof is adapted to releasably engage the one of the face mask and the trocar with the instrument accommodating bore of the sleeve storing housing aligned with an instrument bore extending through the trocar, and preferably, the one of the sleeve storing housing and the closure member thereof is adapted to releasably engage the one of the face mask and the trocar with the accommodating bore of the sleeve storing housing aligned with the instrument bore of the trocar. 
 
     
     
         217 . An instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 212  in which the first end of the shielding sleeve is secured to the sleeve storing housing, and the first coupling element is adapted to couple the sleeve storing housing to the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably, the first coupling element is adapted to non-releasably couple the sleeve storing housing to the one of the face mask and the trocar, and advantageously, the first coupling element is configured as an engagement port for engaging an instrument port in the one of the face mask and the trocar, or a port connector, the port connector being adapted for engaging the instrument port of the one of the face mask and the trocar, and preferably, the shielding sleeve is stored in the storage chamber with the second end thereof extending outwardly from the storage chamber through the access opening to the second coupling element, and advantageously, the second coupling element comprises a band adapted to extend around the instrument to releasably and sealably couple the second end of the shielding sleeve to the instrument, and preferably, the band of the second coupling element comprises an elastic material for gripping the instrument, and advantageously, the shielding sleeve comprises a flexible material, and preferably,
 the shielding sleeve comprises a material impermeable to air and insufflating gases, and advantageously, 
 the shielding sleeve comprises a film material, and preferably, the shielding sleeve comprises a plastics material. 
 
     
     
         218 . A face mask comprising an instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 208 . 
     
     
         219 . A face mask as claimed in  claim 218  in which a collector is located in or on the face mask for collecting any air and gases escaping from the face mask around the outer periphery thereof between the face mask and the face of the subject. 
     
     
         220 . A trocar comprising an instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 208 . 
     
     
         221 . A trocar as claimed in  claim 220  in which the first end of the shielding sleeve of the instrument shielding device is coupled to the trocar by the first coupling element, and preferably, the first end of the shielding sleeve of the instrument shielding device is sealably coupled to the trocar by the first coupling element, and advantageously, the first end of the shielding sleeve of the instrument shielding device is releasably coupled to the trocar by the first coupling element, and preferably, the first end of the shielding sleeve is non-releasably coupled to the trocar by the first coupling element, and advantageously,
 the first end of the shielding sleeve of the instrument shielding device is coupled directly to the trocar, and preferably, the sleeve storing housing is releasably engageable with the trocar with the instrument accommodating bore of the sleeve storing housing aligned with an instrument bore of the trocar, and advantageously, the sleeve storing housing is non-releasably engageable with the trocar, and preferably, 
 the first end of the shielding sleeve is coupled to one of an instrument port of the trocar and a port connector engageable with the instrument port of the trocar with the instrument accommodating lumen of the shielding sleeve communicating with the instrument port of the trocar, and advantageously, an annular receiving groove extends around the one of the instrument port of the trocar and the port connector, and the first end of the shielding sleeve is engaged in the annular receiving groove by the first coupling element. 
 
     
     
         222 . Breathing apparatus for a face mask of the type having at least one port therein, the breathing apparatus comprising a housing having a main port configured for engaging the port of the face mask, and a first secondary port, a first bore extending in the housing communicating the first secondary port with the main port, a first non-return valve located in or communicating with the first bore and adapted to permit fluid flow through the first bore in an outward direction from the main port to the first secondary port, and to prevent fluid flow through the first bore in an inward direction from the first secondary port to the main port, and a first filter communicating with the first bore for filtering air and gases exhaled or expelled from a subject wearing the face mask. 
     
     
         223 . Breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 222  in which the first filter is adapted to communicate with the first bore through the first secondary port, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to communicate with the first bore through the first non-return valve, and advantageously, the first filter is engageable with one of the first secondary port and the first non-return valve, and preferably, the first filter is releasably engageable with the one of the first secondary port and the first non-return valve, and advantageously, the first filter is sealably engageable with the one of the first secondary port and the first non-return valve, and preferably, the first non-return valve is located between the first secondary port and the first bore, and advantageously, the first filter is adapted to filter out one or more of pathogens, bacteria, infections and viruses from the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.1 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.05 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the first filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.04 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the housing comprises a second secondary port, and a second bore extends in the housing communicating the second secondary port with the main port, and a second non-return valve located in or communicating with the second bore and adapted to permit fluid flow through the second bore in an inward direction from the second secondary port to the main port for accommodating air for inhaling by a subject wearing the face mask, and to prevent fluid flow through the second bore in an outward direction from the main port to the second secondary port, and preferably, the second non-return valve is located between the second secondary port and the second bore, and advantageously, a second filter is provided to filter air and gases for inhaling by a subject wearing the face mask, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to communicate with the second bore of the housing, and advantageously,
 the second filter is adapted to communicate with the second bore of the housing through the second secondary port, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to communicate with the second bore of the housing through the second non-return valve, and advantageously, the second filter is adapted to filter out one or more of pathogens, bacteria, infections and viruses from the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.1 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.05 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and preferably, the second filter is adapted to filter out particles of size greater than 0.04 microns entrained in the air and gases passing therethrough, and advantageously, a main bore extends in the housing from the main port, and communicates the main port with the first bore, and preferably, the main bore communicates the main port with the second bore. 
 
     
     
         224 . A face mask comprising breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 222 . 
     
     
         225 . A face mask as claimed in  claim 224  in which an instrument port and an air accommodating port are provided in the face mask, and the main port of the breathing apparatus is engaged in one of the instrument port and the air accommodating port of the face mask, and preferably,
 the main port of the breathing apparatus is engaged in the air accommodating port of the face mask, and advantageously, the main port of the breathing apparatus is sealably engaged in the air accommodating port of the face mask, and preferably, the main port of the breathing apparatus is releasably engaged in the air accommodating port of the face mask, and advantageously, a collector is located in or on the face mask for collecting any air or gases escaping from the face mask around the outer periphery thereof between the face mask and the face of the subject, and preferably, the collector is mounted externally on the face mask, and advantageously, the collector is adapted to apply a vacuum around at least a part of the outer periphery of the face mask for drawing any leaking air or gas from the outer periphery of the face mask, and preferably, the collector comprises an elongated collecting conduit extending around the face mask adjacent the periphery thereof, the collecting conduit having a bore extending therethrough defining a communicating chamber, and having a plurality of inlet ports spaced apart longitudinally along the conduit extending radially from the communicating chamber, the inlet ports being configured for drawing air and gases escaping from the periphery of the face mask into the communicating chamber, and advantageously, an outlet port is provided from the collecting conduit communicating with the communicating chamber, and preferably, the outlet port is adapted for coupling to a vacuum system for drawing a vacuum on the inlet ports through the communicating chamber. 
 
     
     
         226 . An instrument shielding apparatus comprising the instrument shielding device as claimed in  claim 208 , and a port connector, the port connector comprising an instrument accommodating housing having a first main port and a second main port, and an instrument accommodating bore extending therethrough between the first main port and the second main port, the first main port being adapted for engaging a port of one of a face mask, a trocar and an access device, the second main port being adapted to engage a first end of the shielding sleeve of the instrument shielding device. 
     
     
         227 . An instrument shielding apparatus as claimed in  claim 226  in which the second main port of the port connector is adapted to releasably engage the instrument shielding device, and preferably,
 the second main port of the port connector is adapted to releasably engage the sleeve storing housing of the instrument shielding device, and advantageously, an annular receiving groove is formed in the instrument accommodating housing adjacent and extending around the second main port for engaging the coupling ring of the instrument shielding device for sealably securing the first end of the shielding sleeve in the port connector, and preferably, an annular recess is provided extending around the second main port of the port connector for engaging the coupling ring of the instrument shielding device for sealably securing the first end of the shielding sleeve to the second main port of the port connector.